A former EFL footballer has been found guilty of child cruelty and grievous bodily harm after inflicting life-changing brain injuries on a toddler.
Kiernan Hughes-Mason left the two-year-old girl requiring round-the-clock care as a consequence of an attack that took place in Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex in January 2020.
During the case the prosecution barrister referred to one doctor’s assessment of the child’s injuries as comparable to ‘a high-speed road traffic accident’ or ‘a fall from a substantial height of several storeys’.
The injuries were so severe that the child had to be placed in an induced coma and taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital for further treatment.
Doctors identified 17 different injuries to the victim’s legs, back face and chest, believed to have occurred between October 2019 and the assault in January 2020, when she was taken to hospital.
In the days leading up to the incident, Hughes-Mason sent multiple messages to others stating how angry caring for his partner’s two-year-old daughter made him, saying ‘she’s actually getting on my nerves’, and ‘I’m gonna hit her’.
After almost three years’ work, the Crown Prosecution service agreed to charge Hughes-Mason with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty.
A three-week trial at Basildon Crown Court began on August 5, and on August 21, after five hours of deliberation, the jury found Hughes-Mason guilty of both charges. He will be sentenced on September 10.
Hughes-Mason began a 15-year playing career at Millwall and later played for the social media team Hashtag United.
The 32-year-oldhad been managing Enfield Borough before being sacked following Wednesday’s conviction.
A statement issued by club chairman Marvin Walker on Wednesday evening read: ‘Effective immediately, Enfield Borough FC has decided to relieve Kiernan Mason-Hughes from his duties as manager.
‘Enfield Borough FC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and we believe that this action is necessary to uphold these values.
‘We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our fans and community during this time. No further statement will be made.’
Hashtag United – where Hughes-Mason played and coached between 2020 and 2022 – also issued a statement on Wednesday night.
It read: ‘This evening the club has been made aware of some deeply shocking news regarding one of our former players and reserve team manager, Kiernan Hughes-Mason, who has been found guilty of crimes that are frankly sickening. Firstly, everyone associated with the club would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the victim and their family. We can’t possibly imagine what they have been going through since these horrific events took place.
‘We can categorically say that the club had no knowledge whatsoever of these events until today. We are told that the crimes he has now been found guilty of occurred before he joined us. Some serious flaws have been exposed in procedures as we’d received confirmation from the relevant authorities that he was clear to coach as part of standard background checks.
‘Our club has an absolute zero tolerance policy on behaviour even closely relating to this. Our values are centered around positivity, inclusivity and above all else, creating a safe place for all.
‘We reiterate our heartfelt sympathy for what the victim and their family have had to go through and would like to remind anyone reading this of some resources that are available should you need them: Childline: 0800 1111, National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247’.
